Sunday, November 29, 2009

I have just been making mince-meat for mince pies. Since I probably won't have a chance to get involved with making Christmas treats this year - as we don't get back until just before Christmas I thought I would make some to get everyone at work in the mood. I have made 3 jars of mince-meat (Grandma's recipe unfortunately with fake rum!) and plan to make some pies once I borrow the rolling pin from school tomorrow. I am going to make Gem's crumble top recipe.

Another busy week ahead. I have 2 concerts this weekend and our stage goes up for the kids Christmas performance. It should be really cute and I will try not to get stressed out with their dancing! Off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday.

Friday, November 27, 2009

The end of the Christmas term is always crazy with reports, parents' evenings and productions. I now have the reports and parent meetings out the way. I was at school until 7.40pm. I started talking to parents straight after the kids left. I got into school at 6.50am with a full day's teaching. It's a really long day and by the end I just didn't even know what I was saying.

At least it's the weekend. I have a busy time coming up. We now have our infants Christmas production I am also singing in a carol concert, playing cello for the secondary concert and performing with the Ho Chi Ming Choir - playing cello again for their 2 concerts. It's going to be crazy!

I can't wait until the holidays. To get myself in the Christmas mood I put up our tree today! I can start packing soon...

Sunday, November 22, 2009

On your request Gem I have moved that crazy picture of Rosie down. I don't have any photos to put on unfortunately because we have been so busy.

The equivalent of Ofsted came into our school last week. It's basically an inspection before we can be awarded accreditation. The week was mentally stressful - always being ready to be observed teaching with full energy at all times - it's just not sustainable. For you and the kids you have to have some down time too. I didn't even get seen in the end! For Gareth it's been even busier - training for a marathon, applying for jobs all alongside the inspection - he is really wiped out too.

So this weekend I have been trying to wind down. My mind has been so full and busy I just haven't been able to relax or sleep in the week. Finally I completely conked out - no energy at all and slept all afternoon! It was so nice. I think it was all the yoga. I have joined some classes on the weekend and they really clear my mind.

Last night we went to our friends' wedding party - they got married in the summer. It was really nice but I was so shattered I was back home in bed before half 9. I can't wait to get back to the UK. The weather here is so hot it's unbearable. Only 3 more full weeks. My Christmas tree is going up next weekend. I will take pictures then - promise!